VidCoder: Alternative HandBrake GUI for Windows

[RandomEngy]

It uses FAAC. Nero AAC is not possible due to licensing issues. As for the "Same as source" problem, it is quite likely that it is HandBrake behavior that I cannot change. See this page (http://vidcoder.codeplex.com/wikipage?title=Submitting%20bug%20reports&referringTitle=Documentation). Let me know if it's a VidCoder-specific issue.

[ziemlichdunkel]

Vidcoder works fine here, but one litte wish: "Please add in the next version an option do only encode audio without reencoding the video", would be helpful in cases where you only need to spare some MB so it fits to an given size.

thank you :-)

[RandomEngy]

HandBrake won't implement video passthrough so I can't put it in VidCoder. Sorry.

[ziemlichdunkel]

I encoded two videos now with the latest version of vidcoder, but it always ends up with stereo sound Mediainfo says 2 channel AC3 - but I selected in Vidcoder AC3 Dolby pro Logic 2, 5.1ch.
(The audio source doesn't seem to matter, as I used AC3 and DTS)
Any Idea?

[JohnAStebbins]

I encoded two videos now with the latest version of vidcoder, but it always ends up with stereo sound Mediainfo says 2 channel AC3 - but I selected in Vidcoder AC3 Dolby pro Logic 2, 5.1ch.
(The audio source doesn't seem to matter, as I used AC3 and DTS)
Any Idea?

Lookup the meaning of Dolby pro logic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolby_Pro_Logic

In a nutshell, it matrixes 5 channels down to 2 in a lossy but reversible manner. So a receiver that supports DPLII can expand the 2 channels back to 5.

[vrpatilisl]

hi
in above first image where u get that bluray preset.and any body share preset which losslessly encode dvd to mkv

[RandomEngy]

MakeMKV is probably your best bet for lossless conversion. That blu-ray preset is just something I use; it's not guaranteed to work for all cases. But if you want to check it out here it is: http://engy.us/misc/Blu-ray.xml

[ziemlichdunkel]

Lookup the meaning of Dolby pro logic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolby_Pro_Logic

In a nutshell, it matrixes 5 channels down to 2 in a lossy but reversible manner. So a receiver that supports DPLII can expand the 2 channels back to 5.

Thank you for the explanation and the link...
I use now 6channel discrete and happy with it :-)

One more question: Vidcoder seems to crash a lot at the end of an encoding (after the last outputfile of an queue is created), got this many times but the created files seems to be ok:

Problemsignatur:
Problemereignisname: APPCRASH
Anwendungsname: VidCoder.exe
Anwendungsversion: 1.0.4.0
Anwendungszeitstempel: 4e7aa373
Fehlermodulname: StackHash_ff33
Fehlermodulversion: 6.1.7601.17514
Fehlermodulzeitstempel: 4ce7c8f9
Ausnahmecode: c0000374
Ausnahmeoffset: 00000000000c40f2
Betriebsystemversion: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.256.48
Gebietsschema-ID: 3079
Zusatzinformation 1: ff33
Zusatzinformation 2: ff33bd27adce771bae58452e83f27810
Zusatzinformation 3: 734e
Zusatzinformation 4: 734ee0720fc5eb300e4ff4a1300a8ea6

[Balthazar2k4]

I am trying to get a handle on how the Handbrake engine is decoding lossless codecs. I know there has been some support added in the engine for passthrough of TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, but I am not clear on what happens when you request a conversion. Now I know I am probably being excessive about this, but I do know that when RipBot264 runs into TrueHD or DTS-HD MA that it will transcode it to FLAC and then allow you to convert that to AAC or AC3. Does Handbrake do this in any fashion? I know that TrueHD is now supported within FFDSHOW, but DTS-HD MA is not. While the truth is I could probably not hear the difference between encoding from a core track vs lossless track, mentally I can :) It would just seem to be me that using a lossless track as the foundation for encoding to lossy is more sensible then a lossy to lossy conversion.

[somms]

I am trying to get a handle on how the Handbrake engine is decoding lossless codecs. I know there has been some support added in the engine for passthrough of TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, but I am not clear on what happens when you request a conversion. Now I know I am probably being excessive about this, but I do know that when RipBot264 runs into TrueHD or DTS-HD MA that it will transcode it to FLAC and then allow you to convert that to AAC or AC3. Does Handbrake do this in any fashion? I know that TrueHD is now supported within FFDSHOW, but DTS-HD MA is not. While the truth is I could probably not hear the difference between encoding from a core track vs lossless track, mentally I can :) It would just seem to be me that using a lossless track as the foundation for encoding to lossy is more sensible then a lossy to lossy conversion.

https://build.handbrake.fr/view/Nightlies/job/Windows/

Using the latest handbrake nightly 64-bit GUI: https://build.handbrake.fr/view/Nightlies/job/Windows/lastSuccessfulBuild/artifact/HandBrake-svn4256_x86_64-Win_GUI.exe

FWIW: I was able to successfully encode DTS-HD MA passthru as well as DTS passthru using svn4256 Handbrake build. TrueHD audio can be converted to AC3 6-channel using the AC3 passthru selection using svn4256 as well...

[Balthazar2k4]

https://build.handbrake.fr/view/Nightlies/job/Windows/

Using the latest handbrake nightly 64-bit GUI: https://build.handbrake.fr/view/Nightlies/job/Windows/lastSuccessfulBuild/artifact/HandBrake-svn4256_x86_64-Win_GUI.exe

FWIW: I was able to successfully encode DTS-HD MA passthru as well as DTS passthru using svn4256 Handbrake build. TrueHD audio can be converted to AC3 6-channel using the AC3 passthru selection using svn4256 as well...

Thanks somms. I knew the passthrough portion was up and running, but I am making some conversions for my Apple TV 2 and AC-3 is as good as it is getting. That said, I simply wanted to know if Handbrake actually decodes the lossless DTS track or simply defers to the core track when I re-encode to AC3?

[RanmaCanada]

I have a question about large file support. Yes I know this should prolly be asked on the handbrake forums, but I am here now. Sorry. Why is it that whenever I have this unchecked, my files still go larger than 4 gigs and all that is created is a corrupt mp4? I thought that with this unchecked, that the program would automatically split the files into chunks of 4 gigs each, as this is what is mentioned everywhere, but not documented. Is this not the case? I am trying to do files for friend's xbox 360s and he is anal about the quality of his movies, as it is his wedding et al. I love what you have done with vidcoder ontop of handbrake. I just can not find a REAL answer to this question. Does the encoded file need to be encoded onto a FAT32 drive for it to take affect? Does it just not work and is only there to confuse us?

[JohnAStebbins]

Thanks somms. I knew the passthrough portion was up and running, but I am making some conversions for my Apple TV 2 and AC-3 is as good as it is getting. That said, I simply wanted to know if Handbrake actually decodes the lossless DTS track or simply defers to the core track when I re-encode to AC3?

HandBrake uses Libav for decoding dts-hd. Currently Libav only decodes the dts core. I presume that Libav will add full dts-hd decoding some day. But I haven't seen any activity on this yet.

[JohnAStebbins]

I have a question about large file support. Yes I know this should prolly be asked on the handbrake forums, but I am here now. Sorry. Why is it that whenever I have this unchecked, my files still go larger than 4 gigs and all that is created is a corrupt mp4? I thought that with this unchecked, that the program would automatically split the files into chunks of 4 gigs each, as this is what is mentioned everywhere, but not documented. Is this not the case?

It is not. Enabling large file support means that 64bit offsets will be used in the mp4. If you don't enable this, then files larger than 4GB will be invalid. The reason it is not enabled by default is some devices do not support this type of mp4 file.

[RanmaCanada]

Thank you very much JohnAStebbins.

[Hobbe]

Handbrake Changeset [4265] by jstebbins CLI: x264 preset, tuning, and profile support New cli options …
Nice one.. now we might see this in Vidcoder?

[RandomEngy]

Indeed! It's already implemented and seems to be working fine. It will be in the next release. Going to see if I can add in one or two more things before releasing 1.1.

[RandomEngy]

Released VidCoder 1.1.0 (http://vidcoder.codeplex.com/releases/view/74850):

* Added x264 profile/preset/tune options in Video tab.
* Added option to send completed jobs back for editing. (Right click a completed item -> Edit)
* Add pop-up info box for the video range selection. This will show the selected time range: the start, end and duration and a graphical representation.
* Updated HandBrake svn to 4265.
* Added "None" to Mixdown choices.
* Added version and publisher metadata to the installer.
* Updated passthrough to use HandBrake's built-in auto-passthrough.

* Fixed DVD capitalization cleanup function to only apply if the source name is all caps.
* Fixed completed items changing to bold when encodes are in progress.
* Fixed bug with the watermark text appearing while editing a number box.

[Danisan]

How does the x264 preset/tune work? I've set it to preset "slow", but under the "advanced" tab it still show the "normal" profile preset options. Shouldn't the "slow" preset options be shown here, or am I missing something?

[Vilmalith]

Upgraded to v1.1.0 as a clean install. In v1.1.0 I can't create my own presets, when I hit the save as button, the little window pops for me to name the preset but the OK button to actually save it is greyed out and unclickable.

[RandomEngy]

Ooh, that's a regression. Been doing a lot of refactoring; I'll get that fixed in a small patch ASAP.

[RandomEngy]

Okay that's fixed in 1.1.1 (http://vidcoder.codeplex.com/releases/view/74924).

[buffalofloyd]

This is a great tool, thank you. I have question regarding subtitles though. I've been encoding some TV shows that have subs. If you add a single file you can then choose the sub and queue to be encoded. Then if you add another file it will already have the sub chosen and then you can queue. It there a way to batch a bunch of files with the subs already chosen instead of doing it one by one? Maybe I'm not doing this properly bit I can seem to figure it out. If I batch all the files I can't seem to chose he subs.

[RandomEngy]

Is this multiple titles off of a disc or a video folder, or is it multiple files off of your computer?

[buffalofloyd]

Is this multiple titles off of a disc or a video folder, or is it multiple files off of your computer?

They are multiple files off of my computer. I don't know if I am explaining it properly but I think you know what I mean. If I were to enqueue multiple files at once there is no way to make sure the sub stream is included using this method. There is only one english sub for each episode but when you add the files it only adds the video and audio. This is unless you add them one by one and queue each episode as you go. Once you add that first episode and choose the sub, each episode you add after that will have the sub chosen already and I can just add then queue, add then queue, one by one. It's not really a problem to do it this way it just takes longer, that's all. I just don't know if I am not doing something right or if what i want is even possible when you enqueue multiple files.

[Vilmalith]

I got another problem for yah, that is still in 1.1.1.

In previous versions I could launch vidcoder, put in a dvd, and select it as source and rip the movie to my media server and just keep going like that over and over again with only launch vidcoder that one time. Starting with v1.1.0, it would work for the first movie. But to continue for the next movie, it doesn't automatically load the next dvd as source like it did previously. It doesn't even let me choose the dvd drive as source though it shows a movie loaded in the dvd drive. I have to close VidCoder and re-launch it with each dvd now. Otherwise it won't rip the movie in the dvd player.

[RandomEngy]

buffalofloyd: When you batch multiple files right now it doesn't add any subtitles to them. The thought was when you switch titles within a disc or add a batch of titles from a disc it could use your current subtitle choices because they're likely to be consistent across the disc (like multiple TV episodes). Persisting subtitles when scanning arbitrary files was an un-intended side effect.

The real challenge here is that the files you queue up are not guaranteed to have any consistency in subtitle tracks. They may be different languages at different track numbers and it would be tough to make a decision for all of them. Plus you don't have the context of a previous subtitle choice. You could be anywhere or not even have any source loaded when you queue up a batch of files.

I might be able to rig something up like automatically adding subtitles for the Preferred Language specified in options when batch queuing files. Though I wonder if the language info on tracks in those files would be reliable... the main track would have to be clearly labeled as not from the preferred language and the desired subtitle would need to be marked with the Preferred Language for it to pick that up. Is that the case for you?

Vilmalith: Thanks for the report. Will be fixed for next version. Hopefully these annoying RelayCommand bugs will be shaken out.

[buffalofloyd]

buffalofloyd: When you batch multiple files right now it doesn't add any subtitles to them. The thought was when you switch titles within a disc or add a batch of titles from a disc it could use your current subtitle choices because they're likely to be consistent across the disc (like multiple TV episodes). Persisting subtitles when scanning arbitrary files was an un-intended side effect.

Hi Random and thanks for the insightful response. I did/do realize how what I am wanting to do could be a problem. Like I said, doing it the way I have been is not a problem, it's just takes a minute or two more, nothing major at all. I was hoping that I was right and it just wasn't possible because I felt like an idiot asking and was waiting for somebody to point out that it was right in front of me and I just didn't see it :stupid:

I might be able to rig something up like automatically adding subtitles for the Preferred Language specified in options when batch queuing files. Though I wonder if the language info on tracks in those files would be reliable... the main track would have to be clearly labeled as not from the preferred language and the desired subtitle would need to be marked with the Preferred Language for it to pick that up. Is that the case for you?

The subs I have for the files in question are English subtitles but some of them are not marked as English if I look at them with media info. Some simply look like this....

Text
ID : 3
Format : UTF-8
Codec ID : S_TEXT/UTF8
Codec ID/Info : UTF-8 Plain Text

or....

Text
ID : 3
Format : UTF-8
Codec ID : S_TEXT/UTF8
Codec ID/Info : UTF-8 Plain Text
Title : English
Language : English


This is of course where I think the problem you mentioned would arise. Some are not labeled and some are. In order to batch all the files with a preferred "English" language they would all have to be labeled as such otherwise some will be left out.

This does bring me to one additional question though. When I do add a file with a non-labeled sub track which I know to be English, is there a way to name it English when adding it instead of having to leave it "unknown"?

Thanks for your time. This program is really great and I've been using it quite a bit. Seeing the preview quality before a actual encode is a super feature. I do find it a little hard to get perfect cropping sometimes because I can't see the edges so good. This is one particular feature I do like about RipBot, I do like being able to see really up close to the boundaries and getting that perfect crop. That cropping system combined with your "preview" feature would be perfect IMHO. I know your hands are tied because this is possibly a limitation of HandBrake, but no matter... In any case, they are both great tools and I look forward to seeing how this progresses.

Cheers :thanks:

[mike20021969]

I think there are 2 possible bugs with 1.1.1.0

1)
I dropped an MPEG2 file into VidCoder.
I choose a preset resolution (960x540) and added it to the queue.
I also wanted a lower resolution preset (704x396) then I also added it to the queue.

In options, I had automatically switch to a different name under file naming.

The first file completed successfully.
The second file started encoding (renamed with -1) then immediately ended leaving a 1.48kb failed file. Note the elapsed times.

I've duplicated this error numerous times.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g302/mike20021969/capture_13102011_204747.jpg

2)
After successfully converting an MPEG2 file (not using add to queue), then dragging and dropping another file into VidCoder, the file starts to scan then VidCoder terminates meaning I have to relaunch VidCoder to do the next file. This happens randomly but quite regularly.

[RandomEngy]

Mike: those look like they could be bugs in the HandBrake core. And I'm not getting any issues when scanning after encoding an MPEG2 file, and I don't have any problems encoding a video at 704x396. I'd suggest trying those files (with the same settings) in the latest HandBrake nightly. If they work fine there (and the issue is specific to VidCoder), could you send me the file and preset you used that caused the issue?

buffalofloyd: I'll put that cropping view mode in the backlog. I've got the image data so I can do whatever I want with it. As for labeling the language of audio tracks from the source, I don't think HandBrake has that capability.

[mike20021969]

To clarify, I don't have any problems encoding to 704x396 or any preset.
It's only when you try to do 2 resolutions of one input file that the second encode in the queue always fails whatever the preset chosen.

So, as you say, it must be a problem to do with Handbrake as:
A) Handbrake wont allow you to add the same file to the queue with a second different preset/resolution.
B) If you do want a second resolution, you have to manually rename the destination file (or it will be overwritten) after the first has completed. (I cant seem to find an option to rename exisiting files of the same name in Handbrake?).

As for the second problem, VidCoder terminating is random. I cant get it happening all time. And as I only work with MPEG2 input files, I cannot even put it down to a different file format being scanned causing the error. I will keep my eye on this.

Thanks.

[mike20021969]

VidCoder (1.1.1.0):
1) I drop an MPEG2 into VidCoder.
2) I press encode (it doesn't matter what the preset is).
3) After completing, I delete the file created.
4) Leave or clear the completed files list in VidCoder.
5) Leaving the preset untouched, I hit encode again.
6) The file "succeeded" (technically it failed) after a time of 0:00:00. It is 1.48KB in size (it doesn't play).

Handbrake (svn4283):
1) Use same MPEG2 as above.
2) I press encode (it doesn't matter what the preset is).
3) After completing, I delete the file created.
4) Leaving the preset untouched, I hit encode again.
5) The file encodes correctly again (playable file created).

I've also attached zipped file videos of the random crash and the file failing "succeeded" :)

http://www.4shared.com/file/pNIJeBMK/crash_and_file_fail.html

[RandomEngy]

I've followed your steps but I can't repro this from a DVD source with either x86 or x64. Could you send the exact file and preset that's causing this behavior? Hoping it's not an OS specific issue. Also the encode log for the successful encode and the failed encode might shed some light on the issue.

[mike20021969]

Hi.
I've attached a sample MPEG2 file. The first encode is successful - it only fails on 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc... tries.
I've included the LOG and a preset.
The problem IS NOT preset specific - it even happens, for example, with the NORMAL (built in) preset too.

http://www.4shared.com/file/SxqzyoIz/VidCoder.html

(Edit - Encoding an .mp4 file, there are no failures during subsequent encodes of the same file. It only seems to be when using MPEG2 that cause this error).

[RandomEngy]

Thanks for the file! I am getting a repro, though it crashes every time instead of completing with an empty file. I believe this is a handbrake core issue... it just doesn't surface when using the HandBrake GUI because they call into the CLI for every encode so they have to re-scan every time. I'm trying to re-use the same scan and that must be what's triggering the crash.

I talked with j45 about it and he pointed out this very recent fix in HandBrake (https://trac.handbrake.fr/changeset/4286) that might clear up the issue! I'll make sure to grab that update for my next release.

[Vict0r Meldrew]

Really nice GUI, thanks for your efforts. :thanks: Some minor points regarding the interface:

1/ When I click "Open DVD/Blu Ray folder", I get the "Browse for folder" dialog but see lots of squares.

http://s1.bild.me/bilder/030611/3071122squares.png (http://www.bild.me)

2/ Preview window. The previewer background colour is set to dark grey which - under certain conditions (e.g. sun light in room) - doesn't give much contrast between it and the vertical/horizontal bars from the video content, which - when manually cropping - can make it difficult to delineate the bars and the previewer background. May be an option could be included to adjust the previewer background colour?
3/ I encounter a crash when left mouse holding on the Target size (MB) up or down arrows for a number of seconds and releasing. This is in the Encoding settings, Video tab. I can reproduce the crash every time. "VidCoder has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience". Again, a minor problem as I can enter my target size by typing it in.
4/ Is there any way to get back to the opening screen which reads "Choose a video source:" and "Recent" without having to restart VidCoder?

Windows XP Pro SP3 32-bit, VidCoder 1.1.1.0 x86

[RandomEngy]

1) Folder browse bug is tracked here: http://vidcoder.codeplex.com/workitem/32 . Since it only affects XP and is cosmetic I will probably let it go unless someone provides a fix for it.
2) Providing complete customization of the preview background color might be a bit overkill, but I might change the default to have more contrast against black or allow two different alternatives.
3) I've got a repro on that and think I've found the problem... will work on it for next release
4) Not currently. You can still open sources from the File menu or the source dropdown though.

[mike20021969]

Thanks for the file! I am getting a repro, though it crashes every time instead of completing with an empty file. I believe this is a handbrake core issue... it just doesn't surface when using the HandBrake GUI because they call into the CLI for every encode so they have to re-scan every time. I'm trying to re-use the same scan and that must be what's triggering the crash.

I talked with j45 about it and he pointed out this very recent fix in HandBrake (https://trac.handbrake.fr/changeset/4286) that might clear up the issue! I'll make sure to grab that update for my next release.
Many thanks for investigating this.
I've been playing about with this most of today - and have been getting VidCoder crashing plenty of times also.

I'm looking forward to a fix in a forthcoming update of your program.
:thanks:

[jouchan]

hi randomengy, please add menu: subtitles-->build in (for watermark) in next version, thanks :D

[RandomEngy]

I'm not sure what you're asking. Are you referring to the ability to build subtitles into the picture? That's already supported with the "Burned In" option.

[jouchan]

I'm not sure what you're asking. Are you referring to the ability to build subtitles into the picture? That's already supported with the "Burned In" option.

yes, build in picture, i create watermark from srt,but in vidcoder only can: subtitles--> srt-->default

then after finished encode, i playing this video, and watermark showing normally
but when i playing with subtitle, my watermark is gone
where is burn in option? i cant find it
iam using vidcoder 1.1.0. (x86)

thanks, sorry my english very bad, i hope you understand:thanks:

[Vict0r Meldrew]

1) Folder browse bug is tracked here: http://vidcoder.codeplex.com/workitem/32 . Since it only affects XP and is cosmetic I will probably let it go unless someone provides a fix for it.
2) Providing complete customization of the preview background color might be a bit overkill, but I might change the default to have more contrast against black or allow two different alternatives.
3) I've got a repro on that and think I've found the problem... will work on it for next release
4) Not currently. You can still open sources from the File menu or the source dropdown though.

:thanks:

[RandomEngy]

yes, build in picture, i create watermark from srt,but in vidcoder only can: subtitles--> srt-->default

then after finished encode, i playing this video, and watermark showing normally
but when i playing with subtitle, my watermark is gone
where is burn in option? i cant find it
iam using vidcoder 1.1.0. (x86)

thanks, sorry my english very bad, i hope you understand:thanks:

What do you mean by watermark? And no you can't burn-in SRT subtitles. They always have to be soft subtitles (selectable).

[flebber]

Watermarks require the use of avisynth. Vidcoder uses handbrake and doesn't utilise avisynth. Watermarks how to http://brightercomputersolutions.com/videowatermarks.aspx

[DJ-1]

Hi, I was using v0.93 for ages and thought I`d update.....

v1.1.1.0 =
regardless of what preset, or input file the encode says its finnished properly, but the output file is approx 50Kb.mp4

V1.1.0.0 =
Same as above....

v1.0.4.0 =
Outputs a sample file fine, any preset, working ok.


all above were x86 versions (I have Win7 home Premium 64, but a lot of compatibility issues so i stick with 32bit....)

any ideas?

[RandomEngy]

Probably a HandBrake issue. A lot of fixes have been made there recently so hopefully in the next release the updated HandBrake will fix it.

[JohnAStebbins]

Probably a HandBrake issue. A lot of fixes have been made there recently so hopefully in the next release the updated HandBrake will fix it.

There's no way to know without an activity log to see what he actually did. Nothing gets fixed if we don't know about it.

[RandomEngy]

True. Though the symptoms bear a resemblance to the issue reported earlier with the repeated encodes from an MPEG2 file source (which I just confirmed is fixed with the latest HB core). A log would be able to confirm this, however.

[RandomEngy]

Released VidCoder 1.2.0 (http://vidcoder.codeplex.com/releases/view/75937):

* Updated to HandBrake svn 4311. Refactored to read in list of encoders from HB itself. Added ffaac, FLAC audio and ffmpeg2 video.
* Reworked audio encoding UI: removed grid and gave each encoding more vertical space. Added audio quality targeting and compression.
* Added status messages. Added messages for a few events (encode start/stop, playing a preview clip, update available, update download finished).
* Made source and destination path UI elements smarter about what parts they cut out when they don't have enough space. Parts in the middle are cut out first and the file name is left until last.
* Added {titleduration} as a choice for auto-naming.
* Changed second/frames range to update automatically while typing.
* Changed preview window background to have better contrast against black.
* Added an option to disable keeping scan files around after encode completion. This can free up space when encoding many items in a row.

* Fixed crash when holding down up/down buttons on number controls.
* Fixed problem with DVD insert/eject events not being registered.

[RandomEngy]

mike20021969: With the updated HandBrake I believe your MPEG-2 issue is fixed.